Migraines 101 🤯

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head*. Migraines tend to affect women moreso than men, affecting 1 in 5 women compared to one in fifteen men. You should consult medical advice and discuss with your G.P. if you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms.

There are several types of migraine, including:

Migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights

Migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine occurs without the specific warning signs

Migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache doesn't develop

Causes of migraines 😣

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they're thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain.

Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include:

Emotional triggers:

Stress

Anxiety

Tension

Shock

Depression

Excitement

Physical triggers:

Tiredness

Poor quality sleep

Shift work

Sustained long postural positions

Neck or shoulder tension

Jet lag

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Strenuous exercise, if you're not used to it

Dietary triggers:

Missed, delayed or irregular meals

Dehydration

Alcohol

The food additive tyramine

Caffeine products, such as tea and coffee

Specific foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit and cheese

Environmental triggers:

Bright lights

Flickering screens, such as a television or computer screen

Smoking (or smoky rooms)

Loud noises

Changes in climate, such as changes in humidity or very cold temperatures

Strong smells

A stuffy atmosphere

Medication:

Some types of sleeping tablets

The combined contraceptive pill

Hormone replacement therpay, which is sometimes used to relieve symptoms associated with the menopause

Outlook and prevention ✅

Migraines are painful and can interrupt your life. Fortunately, there are some lifestyle changes you can make and habits to adopt that can help you prevent them. 🙏🏼 These include:

Getting plenty of sleep

Reducing the stress in your life by trying yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

Limiting the amount of time you’re looking at bright lights, or are in direct sunlight, which can both be causative sensory migraines

Have balanced physical activity

Taking frequent “screen breaks” from television, the computer, and other screens

Trying an elimination diet to help you identify any food allergies or intolerances that may be headache triggers

Consider Magnesium supplementation

If you frequently get migraines, then start considering the factors which can cause a migraine, take a look at what you're doing and see if you can do anything to prevent it from happening!

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